Discover China off the beaten track

Travellers looking for a unique travel experience in 2008 should take a look at China, one of the world’s emerging travel hot spots. New tour operator, China Holidays features over 20 destinations throughout the country.

Explore Guilin, renowned as one of the most beautiful regions of China; see awe-inspiring alpine scenery including lakes, snow-capped mountains and natural forests in Jiuzhaigou; bath in natural hot springs in the spa city of Xiamen or relax on the tropical island of Hainan Dao, where its palm fringed beaches and balmy climate are reminiscent of Hawaii.

These are just a few of the destinations that new tour operator, China Holidays Travel Group features in its brochure, alongside the more well known cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The operator offers travellers the opportunity to uncover the delights of this emerging destination either independently or as part of a small group.

With more than 20 destinations featured many are off the main tourist track including Jiuzhaigou, Xiamen and Tibet plus the Shangri La region of Yunnan province. The operator also offers activities such as walking, golfing and spa holidays, plus a Panda volunteer programme as well as visiting the many amazing historical sites in China, including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors.

Other highlights include seeing the world tallest sculpture, a gigantic Buddha carved in rock near Chengdu; cruising spectacular landscapes of misty mountains and breathtaking gorges along the Yangtze River Valley; seeing the amazing ice sculptures in Harbin and Asia’s largest waterfall, the Huangguoshu Waterfall in the Guizhou Province.

Example group tours include an eight night ‘Glimpses of China’ tour that visits Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing is from £1,339 per person including flights from Heathrow, accommodation and tour (from £1,279 if booked before 30 January 2008) – perfect for the first time visitor to China.

Highlights include visiting the Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an; exploring the winding alleyways of Old Shanghai and the modern Pudong area of the city with its 21st century skyscrapers; soaking up the history of the Forbidden City that was home to two dynasties of Emperors for 500 years; and walking on the Great Wall of China.

Off the beaten track, a 17 night ‘Silk Route’ tour that starts in Beijing and includes the visiting Xi’an, home of the Terracotta Warriors and once the launch site for the historical Silk Road between the Orient and Europe. The tour will reveal part of the Silk Route including the cities of Lanzhou, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar and contrasts the natural landscape with the rigours of the Silk Route traders.

Other highlights include discovering Tibetan culture and the natural wonders of Xining, camel riding in the desert near Dunhuang and cruising down the Yellow River near Lanzhou. Prices are from £2,538 per person including flights from Heathrow, accommodation and tour.

For further information and to book, visit Chinaholidays.uk.com.